At Fertco, we’ve been importing and manufacturing fertiliser for over 25 years now, so we’re accustomed to being part of the cyclical ebb and flow of the industry. But post-covid, it seems more accurate to describe the industry in NZ as lurching from one unseen challenge to the next!
However, as a smaller company, we are uniquely positioned to respond to these challenges in ways that larger companies often find more difficult. For example, we’ve been able to embrace new technologies and source innovative fertiliser products that focus on nutrient efficiency, reducing both economic and environmental wastage.
So when politicians start talking about doubling agricultural exports while simultaneously looking after the environment, we’re already perfectly placed to contribute towards this goal.
Some of Fertco's products: NSmart, Protamin N13, SeaPhos, N-durance and 44 Magnum
Greater product choice
Back in the early 2000s, when fertiliser began to be imported in containers rather than in bulk, smaller companies were able to import their own fertiliser. This was a crucial change: product ranges expanded and prices became more competitive. The result is that NZ farmers now have a wide choice of fertiliser products.
At Fertco, being able to import our own fertiliser means we can customise our offering to suit individual farmers, growers, and their businesses. We believe our farmers should only buy the products and quantities they actually need. This is an obvious first step in being more efficient at increasing production and yield while reducing waste.
Controlled release technology
Controlled release technology is a more recent innovation in the fertiliser industry. In brief, granules of fertiliser are coated with a semi-permeable membrane so that the nutrients are released in a gradual but controlled pattern. Research and field trials indicate that this release can take up to 3 months for some products.
It’s easy to see the gains in nutrient efficiency with controlled release fertiliser (CRF) products. Firstly, there’s less loss to the environment because the nutrients are protected by the coating around the granule. Secondly, because the nutrients are released gradually, plants can access them as they grow. In regards to economic gain, more of what you pay for is used.
Organics
In the case of organics growers, we have been able to source a complete range of BioGro certified products that allow them to be economically viable and globally competitive. Since some of these products are ‘less leaky’, our conventional farmers are also beginning to integrate organics products into their fertiliser programmes.
But while new products are key to improving nutrient efficiency, marrying existing products with new or existing technologies can sometimes be equally successful.
Granulation
Granulating fertiliser is one of these technologies. We’ve been granulating dicalcic phosphate fertilisers and animal mineral supplements for some years now. With granulated fertiliser, nutrient efficiency is achieved through improved accuracy with product placement. The fertiliser doesn’t end up in areas like waterways and farm races where plants can’t use it.
Another benefit we’ve found with this technology is the ability to innovate. A recent product addition is SeaPhos, a dicalcic phosphate fertiliser granulated with Agrisea’s seaweed biostimulants that support soil health and nutrient efficiency.
Existing but not widely known
Although the above products and technologies have been around for some time, the introduction on how and when to use them in NZ agriculture has been lacking. As a smaller company, we don’t always have the might and means to spread the word and influence industry decision-makers as much as we’d like.
People still important
However, while products and technologies will take us a long way to achieving the government’s aspirations for agriculture, it’s people that will ultimately get us there. That’s why we’re determined to keep our Fertco Field Reps on the road, walking your farm, and adding value to your business with their insights and advice.
This article was published in the Coast & Country News.
